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Life Connected.

You are part of the story. Help us celebrate 150 years of Celina by sharing your memories and joining the festivities!

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Share Your Legacy

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150 Ways to Celebrate

Share Your Legacy

Share Your Legacy!

Contribute your own piece of Celina history.

We are collecting the memories that make our heritage so rich. We need your voice to tell the whole story. If your family has been rooted in Celina for generations, or if you hold a cherished, defining memory from any era, we want to hear it.


We’re asking all residents to share your old photos, family videos, and personal stories from your time in our city. Every contribution helps us capture a vital piece of Celina history. Submit your piece of the story today, and help us pave the way for the next 150 years of community and progress.

Bread, Butter, and Country Roads: My 1979 in Celina

I wish I had photos and more memorabilia. Back in 1979, I spent just one year living in Celina, Texas, but it left a lifelong impression on me. I was 11 years old and in sixth grade, and coming from a big city into a small, country town felt like stepping into a different world — one filled with kindness, community, and unforgettable people.

I still think fondly of the friends I made at school — Melanie, Karol, Brenda, Sandy, and many others — and the coach who encouraged me to run track and believe in myself. Even the little moments stand out, like Mr. C, our bus driver, barreling down those country roads at 60 miles an hour, making every ride an adventure. Also hanging out with my neighbors Joe Lisa and their siblings. We would come home from school and bake fresh bread from the dough that we had set the day before and go out and milk the cow and make fresh butter. You just can’t beat memories like that.

It was a simple, special time in my life, and even though it was only a year, the memories and the people of Celina have stayed with me ever since.

 

- Denise

Voices of Celina

Share Your Legacy!

Contribute your own piece of Celina history.

We are collecting the memories that make our heritage so rich. We need your voice to tell the whole story. If your family has been rooted in Celina for generations, or if you hold a cherished, defining memory from any era, we want to hear it.


We’re asking all residents to share your old photos, family videos, and personal stories from your time in our city. Every contribution helps us capture a vital piece of Celina history. Submit your piece of the story today, and help us pave the way for the next 150 years of community and progress.

Bread, Butter, and Country Roads: My 1979 in Celina Back in 1979, I spent just one year living in Celina, Texas, but it left a lifelong impression on me. I was 11 years old and in sixth grade, and coming from a big city into a small, country town felt like stepping into a different world — one filled with kindness, community, and unforgettable people. I still think fondly of the friends I made at school — Melanie, Karol, Brenda, Sandy, and many others — and the coach who encouraged me to run track and believe in myself. Even the little moments stand out, like Mr. C, our bus driver, barreling down those country roads at 60 miles an hour, making every ride an adventure. Also hanging out with my neighbors Joe Lisa and their siblings. We would come home from school and bake fresh bread from the dough that we had set the day beforeand go out and milk the cow and make fresh butter. You just can’t beat memories like that. It was a simple, special time in my life, and even though it was only a year, the memories and the people of Celina have stayed with me ever since. To achieve this goal, the City is focused on developing authentic connections across every level of the organization and the community. This includes making thoughtful policy decisions that reflect the values and long-term interests of our residents, ensuring inclusive and transparent governance that invites public participation, and actively developing partnerships that enhance community vitality and economic stability. Decisions made under this strategic goal are not transactional - they are relational. Whether it’s how we design public spaces, support local events, communicate with the public, or plan for new development, every action is guided by the question: Does this decision strengthen the community’s connection to Celina? This approach ensures that investments in infrastructure, programs, and services are made with a long-term vision and a people-first mindset. By prioritizing trust, collaboration, and engagement, the City is intentionally building a community where residents and stakeholders are not only heard but also feel personally connected to the City’s success and spirit, today and into the future.

Bread, Butter, and Country Roads: My 1979 in Celina Back in 1979, I spent just one year living in Celina, Texas, but it left a lifelong impression on me. I was 11 years old and in sixth grade, and coming from a big city into a small, country town felt like stepping into a different world — one filled with kindness, community, and unforgettable people. I still think fondly of the friends I made at school — Melanie, Karol, Brenda, Sandy, and many others — and the coach who encouraged me to run track and believe in myself. Even the little moments stand out, like Mr. C, our bus driver, barreling down those country roads at 60 miles an hour, making every ride an adventure. Also hanging out with my neighbors Joe Lisa and their siblings. We would come home from school and bake fresh bread from the dough that we had set the day beforeand go out and milk the cow and make fresh butter. You just can’t beat memories like that. It was a simple, special time in my life, and even though it was only a year, the memories and the people of Celina have stayed with me ever since. To achieve this goal, the City is focused on developing authentic connections across every level of the organization and the community. This includes making thoughtful policy decisions that reflect the values and long-term interests of our residents, ensuring inclusive and transparent governance that invites public participation, and actively developing partnerships that enhance community vitality and economic stability. Decisions made under this strategic goal are not transactional - they are relational. Whether it’s how we design public spaces, support local events, communicate with the public, or plan for new development, every action is guided by the question: Does this decision strengthen the community’s connection to Celina? This approach ensures that investments in infrastructure, programs, and services are made with a long-term vision and a people-first mindset. By prioritizing trust, collaboration, and engagement, the City is intentionally building a community where residents and stakeholders are not only heard but also feel personally connected to the City’s success and spirit, today and into the future.

Back in 1979, I spent just one year living in Celina, Texas, but it left a lifelong impression on me. I was 11 years old and in sixth grade, and coming from a big city into a small, country town felt like stepping into a different world — one filled with kindness, community, and unforgettable people. I still think fondly of the friends I made at school — Melanie, Karol, Brenda, Sandy, and many others — and the coach who encouraged me to run track and believe in myself. Even the little moments stand out, like Mr. C, our bus driver, barreling down those country roads at 60 miles an hour, making every ride an adventure. Also hanging out with my neighbors Joe Lisa and their siblings. We would come home from school and bake fresh bread from the dough that we had set the day beforeand go out and milk the cow and make fresh butter. You just can’t beat memories like that. It was a simple, special time in my life, and even though it was only a year, the memories and the people of Celina have stayed with me ever since. To achieve this goal, the City is focused on developing authentic connections across every level of the organization and the community. This includes making thoughtful policy decisions that reflect the values and long-term interests of our residents, ensuring inclusive and transparent governance that invites public participation, and actively developing partnerships that enhance community vitality and economic stability. Decisions made under this strategic goal are not transactional - they are relational. Whether it’s how we design public spaces, support local events, communicate with the public, or plan for new development, every action is guided by the question: Does this decision strengthen the community’s connection to Celina? This approach ensures that investments in infrastructure, programs, and services are made with a long-term vision and a people-first mindset. By prioritizing trust, collaboration, and engagement, the City is intentionally building a community where residents and stakeholders are not only heard but also feel personally connected to the City’s success and spirit, today and into the future.

Back in 1979, I spent just one year living in Celina, Texas, but it left a lifelong impression on me. I was 11 years old and in sixth grade, and coming from a big city into a small, country town felt like stepping into a different world — one filled with kindness, community, and unforgettable people. I still think fondly of the friends I made at school — Melanie, Karol, Brenda, Sandy, and many others — and the coach who encouraged me to run track and believe in myself. Even the little moments stand out, like Mr. C, our bus driver, barreling down those country roads at 60 miles an hour, making every ride an adventure. Also hanging out with my neighbors Joe Lisa and their siblings. We would come home from school and bake fresh bread from the dough that we had set the day beforeand go out and milk the cow and make fresh butter. You just can’t beat memories like that. It was a simple, special time in my life, and even though it was only a year, the memories and the people of Celina have stayed with me ever since. To achieve this goal, the City is focused on developing authentic connections across every level of the organization and the community. This includes making thoughtful policy decisions that reflect the values and long-term interests of our residents, ensuring inclusive and transparent governance that invites public participation, and actively developing partnerships that enhance community vitality and economic stability. Decisions made under this strategic goal are not transactional - they are relational. Whether it’s how we design public spaces, support local events, communicate with the public, or plan for new development, every action is guided by the question: Does this decision strengthen the community’s connection to Celina? This approach ensures that investments in infrastructure, programs, and services are made with a long-term vision and a people-first mindset. By prioritizing trust, collaboration, and engagement, the City is intentionally building a community where residents and stakeholders are not only heard but also feel personally connected to the City’s success and spirit, today and into the future.

150 ways to celebrate

150 Ways to Celebrate Celina's 150th

  1. Follow the Celina Area Heritage Museum on Facebook.

  2. Grab your binoculars and explore our town’s wild side by identifying native bird species.

  3. Celebrate National Night Out on October 6th on Celina's Downtown Square.

  4. Donate books in good condition to the Celina Public Library.

  5. Pet Darth, the Celina Police Department K-9.

  6. Learn why Celina is known as a "roller town."

  7. Thank a first responder.

  8. Attend Beware! of the Square and watch the giant pumpkin being carved into a Celina150 masterpiece!

  9. Visit the Bookmobile in a Celina neighborhood near you!

  10. Visit the historic silos and post a photo using #Celina150.

  11. Run or walk 150 miles in 2026 in honor of Celina150.

  12. Start a Celina-themed blog.

  13. Celebrate Valentine's Day in Celina.

  14. Celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4th and honor the foundational events that paved the way for Celina.

  15. Get the special edition 150th-anniversary library card from the Celina Public Library.

  16. Play adult kickball with Celina Parks & Recreation.

  17. Take a photo of a beautiful Celina sunset.

  18. Participate in the Celina150 Service Day to help neighbors with home and yard maintenance.

  19. Plan a meeting, event, or family reunion in Celina during 2026.

  20. Do 150 good deeds for your community—and keep a log!

  21. Watch a free movie under the stars at Movie Night at the Park.

  22. Visit Old Celina Park to enjoy the great outdoors!

  23. Go on a date in Celina.

  24. Thank 150 veterans for Veterans Day by writing cards or making a donation.

  25. Ride your bike on Celina's trails.

  26. Take a Zumba class with Celina Parks & Recreation.

  27. Honor Celina's military members by visiting the War Memorial Clock Tower in the heart of the city.

  28. Write a "City Anthem" song or jingle in honor of Celina150.

  29. Register for the City's Citizen's Fire Academy.

  30. Play trivia in Celina.

  31. Plan and play a Celina150 scavenger hunt.

  32. Clean up 150 pieces of litter.

  33. Read 150 pages or 150 books.

  34. Win big! Attend the Celina Friday Night Market for a chance to win the Celina150 historic community raffle.

  35. Raise and donate $150 to a local non-profit for North Texas Giving Day.

  36. Start a Little Free Library or add to one in your neighborhood!

  37. Take your grandparents out for brunch.

  38. Drink hot cocoa while you shop in Celina during the holiday season.

  39. Walk the Storybook Trail at Old Celina Park and read short stories submitted by residents.

  40. Visit the Celina Area Heritage Museum.

  41. Get loose at yoga with Celina Parks & Recreation.

  42. Stroll through Downtown to view the Celina150 banners.

  43. Order a Celina150 birthday cake from a local bakery to enjoy with loved ones.

  44. Dance in the rain in Celina.

  45. Register to vote for the City's May 2026 election, as well as state and federal elections.

  46. Honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, at the City's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.

  47. Eat crawfish at Celina Cajun Fest.

  48. Volunteer at a City of Celina community event.

  49. Visit the historic water tower and post a photo using #Celina150.

  50. Join or host a musical jam circle in Celina.

  51. Visit the old Bobcat Stadium, which will be preserved as part of the new Ousley Park.

  52. Link to Celina150.com in your email signature, website, and social media.

  53. Donate blood in Celina.

  54. Tour a Celina Fire Station during an Open House event.

  55. Watch the sky light up for Celina150 and America250 at Splash & Blast!

  56. Start a Neighborhood Watch Program or join an existing group.

  57. Read a book about Celina's founding.

  58. Dance at Cinco de Mayo hosted by El Puente de Celina.

  59. Go stargazing away from the city lights.

  60. Sing karaoke in Celina.

  61. Fly a kite at Old Celina Park.

  62. Organize a neighborhood Celina150 block party.

  63. Celebrate at Christmas on the Square and watch ice being carved into a Celina150 masterpiece!

  64. Celebrate your birthday in Celina.

  65. Gather and write 150 letters to current military members.

  66. Host a baking competition using recipes from 1876.

  67. Invite an out-of-town friend or relative to experience Celina.

  68. Visit the Celina EDC and buy official Celina150 branded merch.

  69. Supply 15 or 150 coats for those facing hardship.

  70. Attend a City of Celina community event.

  71. Follow @CityofCelina and @DowntownCelina on Facebook for "This Day in History" posts.

  72. Listen to the train horn and play at Founders Station Park.

  73. Join a Family Story Time at the Celina Public Library.

  74. Sign up for a fitness class with Celina Parks & Recreation.

  75. Host a poetry slam featuring only 150-word poems.

  76. Paint a section of the Celina150 community mural at Celina Cajun Fest.

  77. Create Celina150 decorative displays in your storefront, lobby, or classroom.

  78. Experience a festive activity Downtown during the Countdown to Christmas.

  79. Include an "I love Celina because..." in your projects, posts, or blogs.

  80. Submit a pumpkin for the Beware! of the Square decorating contest.

  81. Organize and deliver 150 cases of water to Celina fire stations.

  82. Visit the Downtown Kiosk for news and updates.

  83. Learn about Celina's original industries: ranching and farming.

  84. Record an oral history from a Celina senior citizen.

  85. Have drinks on a patio in Celina.

  86. Eat local! Support Celina restaurants.

  87. Register for the City's Citizens Police Academy.

  88. Identify Celina's local wildflowers and native plants.

  89. Eat a corn dog at Splash & Blast.

  90. Make a new friend in Celina.

  91. Play at Old Celina Park’s newest all-inclusive playground.

  92. Have a "Coffee with a Cop."

  93. Cheers to 150 years! Attend the Celina Wine Crawl hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

  94. Commit to completing 150 workouts in 2026.

  95. Host a historical dinner featuring 1876-style clothing, food, and music.

  96. Join an adult softball league with Celina Parks & Recreation.

  97. Research your family tree.

  98. Participate in the Celina Public Library Summer Reading Challenge.

  99. Build a snowman in Celina (let it snow!).

  100. Follow celina_texas and celinamainstreet on Instagram for "This Day in History" posts.

  101. Pick up free Celina150 swag at city community events!

  102. Take your mom out on the town in Celina for Mother's Day.

  103. Host a Celina150 photo contest.

  104. Learn the history of a historic home in Downtown Celina.

  105. Paint a "Kindness Rock" and place it in a garden for someone to find.

  106. Attend Touch-A-Truck and join the Celina150 chalk art display.

  107. Have a picnic at the park.

  108. Step into history by visiting Celina's historic sites using the City's GIS story map.

  109. Use #Celina150 on social media.

  110. Take a selfie in front of your favorite Celina business and share it on social media.

  111. Make a scrapbook or digital library of Celina150 news and memories.

  112. Register for the City's Citizens Government Academy.

  113. Help beautify a local Celina cemetery (ask for permission first!).

  114. Join the Celina PD Ruck March and walk 150 miles as a team.

  115. Spotlight Celina150 in your newsletter or e-newsletter.

  116. Listen to historical accounts of Celina on the Life Connected podcast.

  117. Watch the Celina150 historical "In The Know" videos.

  118. Attend a Celina City Council meeting in 2026.

  119. Drive by the famous Celina longhorns (please do not feed or pet them!).

  120. Research and plant native flowers or bushes on your property.

  121. Honor fallen heroes at the Memorial Day Ceremony in Downtown Celina.

  122. Wave to "Fire Santa" as he drives by your house in December.

  123. Buy Christmas gifts at the Celina Gift Tour hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

  124. Support the Bobcats! Attend a CISD game, concert, or competition.

  125. Support local: Grab a cup of coffee in Celina.

  126. Listen to live music in Celina.

  127. Collect 150 cans of food for a local pantry.

  128. Join the Celina Public Library adult book club.

  129. Add a Celina150 frame to your Facebook profile picture.

  130. Look at Christmas lights in Celina.

  131. Make a Celina150 chalk art masterpiece on your sidewalk or driveway.

  132. Draw or paint one of Celina's landmarks.

  133. Take your dad out in Celina for Father's Day.

  134. Volunteer 150 hours with a local non-profit or the City of Celina.

  135. Go for a run and map out a route that spells "Celina."

  136. Eat a sweet treat in Celina.

  137. Take a stroll through the Downtown Celina pavilion.

  138. Buy local for Celina150.

  139. Explore Celina's Historic Downtown Square.

  140. Tour public art, memorials, and historical pieces using the GIS Story Map.

  141. Invest in a piece of art from a local artist.

  142. Coach a little league team with Celina Parks & Recreation.

  143. Take a photo with a Celina150 photo op.

  144. Spring clean your home and bring trash to the Celina Clean Sweep.

  145. Play pickleball in Celina!

  146. Host a backyard BBQ for your neighbors.

  147. Write a short story in honor of Celina150.

  148. Visit the EDC building to learn the history of the Bank of Celina.

  149. Sign up for the City's e-newsletter so you don't miss any celebrations.

  150. Grab lunch at a food truck in Celina.

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